Court Briefs

WILKES-BARRE - A 54-year-old Edwardsville man pleaded guilty on Monday in Luzerne County Court in connection with an arson on Oct. 18 at 85 Thomas St. in Edwardsville.

Police said Joseph Lech, 54, set the blaze in a bedroom during a fight with his fiancee.

Lech pleaded guilty to three counts of recklessly endangering another person and one count of criminal mischief.

Luzerne County Judge David Lupas will sentence Lech on April 26 at 9:30 a.m.

WILKES-BARRE - A married couple accused of manufacturing and selling methamphetamine in Wilkes-Barre in June 2011 appeared in court for sentencing on Monday on charges of participating in a corrupt organization, conspiracy and related meth charges.

Luzerne Count Judge Joseph Sklarosky ordered Glen Kocher, 50, of Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre, to serve two to five years in state prison.

Donna Kocher, 53, will serve four years of house arrest, Sklarosky said.

Authorities said Glen Kocher was the "cook" in the methamphetamine operation, while Donna Kocher was the dealer on the streets. She'd keep half of their product and sell the other half, police say.

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